tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83474158036842535572024-03-13T21:38:19.980+00:00lesley's jewellery blogCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-1128670559273420122010-08-09T08:39:00.003+01:002010-08-09T08:43:14.207+01:00HmmmmmWell, another month has gone by with no blog! What am I like? No, don't answer that, please.<br /><br />And, I don't really have time to blog now... the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta starts on Thursday and runs for four days, so I need as much stock as possible... busy, busy, busy!<br /><br />I will try and pop in and give you some updates and occasional photos, but realistically, I think it's going to be September before I get back to regular blogs.<br /><br />Lots of big things coming up - Tom's A level results, Martha's GCSE results, my brother visiting from Brazil, a camping holiday in Devon plus all the usual goings-on that seem to fill every waking moment.<br /><br />I hope you are all having a lovely summer.<br /><br />Much love to all,<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-79177491848952143432010-07-09T08:49:00.002+01:002010-07-09T08:53:39.653+01:00Excuses, excuses...Been sooooo long since I blogged because:<br /><br />- I have been mega busy<br />- Got very caught up in A levels and GCSEs<br />- My mojo took a long holiday<br />- Didn't have anything very interesting to tell you<br />- Spent too long on Facebook and Twitter<br />- Been doing lots of selling events<br />- Just not felt like it<br /><br />All of these excuses have some truth in them, but mainly they are just that - excuses.<br /><br />Sorry.<br /><br />Will try to do better. May even be back later today!<br /><br />Much love to all.<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-80516624654396803892010-05-02T08:59:00.005+01:002010-05-02T09:33:51.965+01:00Spikes!You'll see there's a definite theme to the pieces I've been making this week... ceramic and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">spiky</span>!<br /><br />I've been lusting after these colourful ceramic washers for a month or so. I've been using the silvered ones in my designs for a while, but these coloured ones are so vibrant, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them.<br /><br />Here's the purple and blue mottled ones with some silver washers and the spikes. These give the necklace real drama and look fabulous on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xFWPkuXI/AAAAAAAABBM/a7uqCzbe1g4/s1600/SSPPG+-+Purple+and+Prongs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xFWPkuXI/AAAAAAAABBM/a7uqCzbe1g4/s320/SSPPG+-+Purple+and+Prongs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466579490637658482" border="0" /></a>The back of the necklace is leather and the sterling silver fastening is on the side.<br /><br />This next one uses the same design, but with the blue and turquoise beads.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xFLLsE7I/AAAAAAAABBE/bZwD4VQ43q8/s1600/SSMX+-+Mexicana.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xEi-9oyI/AAAAAAAABA8/uhNQCU3pao0/s1600/SSBRK+-+Breakwaters.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xEi-9oyI/AAAAAAAABA8/uhNQCU3pao0/s320/SSBRK+-+Breakwaters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466579476877779746" border="0" /></a><br />This one uses just the smaller washers - along with the silver - in the really, really bright colours. Fabulous for holidays. I do wish I'd made these before we went away!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xFLLsE7I/AAAAAAAABBE/bZwD4VQ43q8/s1600/SSMX+-+Mexicana.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xFLLsE7I/AAAAAAAABBE/bZwD4VQ43q8/s320/SSMX+-+Mexicana.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466579487668573106" border="0" /></a>And then, lastly for today, a different look where I've used the spikes with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lampwork</span> beads by Tania Grey of Tan, Of Course and freshwater pearls.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xEPLI0lI/AAAAAAAABA0/u0twkR43scg/s1600/SSMSP+-+Monochrome+Spikes.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S90xEPLI0lI/AAAAAAAABA0/u0twkR43scg/s320/SSMSP+-+Monochrome+Spikes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466579471560135250" border="0" /></a><br />I have made a whole batch of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lampwork</span> pendants, wine bottle stoppers, bottle openers and letter openers too this week, but haven't had chance to photograph them. Hopefully, I can show them to you next posting.<br /><br />Tomorrow (Monday) Sarah and I are selling at the North Somerset Show. This is our local agricultural show and very popular. We've not done this one before, so fingers crossed that the sun comes out (it's pouring down with rain as I type) and there's hoards of visitors - and some of them want to buy some jewellery! Will let you know.<br /><br />On the family front, Tom's exams last week were all 'OK' or 'Not bad' - so that sounds hopeful!<br /><br />Martha's prize giving on Thursday was a nice event, celebrating the successes of the school. The guest speaker was the Olympic gold-winning athlete, Jason Gardener, who was a great speaker and his recounting of the 100 metre relay race when he won gold was totally gripping so that we all felt we'd run it with him and had tears in our eyes as the National Anthem played as we stood on the rostrum...<br />Martha's prize was for Excellent Attitude... yes, you can imagine the comments from all the parents of teenagers who'd won a prize for Attitude...<br /><br />We had a lovely time yesterday afternoon and evening when some of Brian's family came over. I say 'some' of them... we were twelve to sit down for dinner. We did the calculations and if ALL of his family had come, it would have been 31 people!! He's one of nine - and then with husbands, wives, partners, children... it's a crowd and a half.<br /><br />Hope you're having a great weekend - and enjoy the Bank Holiday if it's happening wherever you are!<br /><br />Take care, all.<br /><br />Much love<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-17752318893259111512010-04-25T08:43:00.014+01:002010-04-25T18:01:47.772+01:00Sadness and SunshineI'd like to thank everyone who sent message of support and love after my last posting. Sadly, my mother-in-law passed away in the early hours of Easter Sunday. Rest in peace, Pat.<br /><br />It might seem very strange, then, that we went on holiday the next day. But this was done after consultation and with the blessing of the rest of the family and safe in the knowledge that the funeral wouldn't be until after our return.<br /><br />So on Easter Monday we left for Corfu. Despite the circumstances we had a wonderful holiday. The villa was superb and the views from its terrace were just amazing:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9Pz0PQZIgI/AAAAAAAAA-c/35QCJdgd5U0/s1600/Corfu+View+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9Pz0PQZIgI/AAAAAAAAA-c/35QCJdgd5U0/s320/Corfu+View+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463978851704578562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9Pzz3cLPPI/AAAAAAAAA-U/qErSibamf5U/s1600/Corfu+view+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9Pzz3cLPPI/AAAAAAAAA-U/qErSibamf5U/s320/Corfu+view+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463978845311548658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9PzzVnHsbI/AAAAAAAAA-M/ki2rcMEGkWw/s1600/Corfu+View+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9PzzVnHsbI/AAAAAAAAA-M/ki2rcMEGkWw/s320/Corfu+View+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463978836230648242" border="0" /></a><br />The hills opposite are Albania and the ones in the far distance are in mainland Greece. The weather was perfect for us - in the mid to high twenties. We spent lots of time reading and lying in the sun. Brian and Martha braved the pool - in their wetsuits!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P0dwHwSgI/AAAAAAAAA-s/goIrhokzQEA/s1600/Pic+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P0dwHwSgI/AAAAAAAAA-s/goIrhokzQEA/s320/Pic+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463979564901353986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P0dl6722I/AAAAAAAAA-k/RX8N0FKPNEE/s1600/Pic+003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P0dl6722I/AAAAAAAAA-k/RX8N0FKPNEE/s320/Pic+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463979562163231586" border="0" /></a><br />It was freeeeeezing! Eventually they did go in with just their bathers, but Tom and I only managed to get in up to our ankles...<br /><br />We did some sightseeing - in Corfu Town and we toured most of the rest of the island which I can report was beautiful... but closed! Their season doesn't really start until 1st May, so most tavernas and shops were either completely shut or were sprucing themselves up for May.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P16gIufoI/AAAAAAAAA-8/AgBqWao9T6k/s1600/corfu+8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P16gIufoI/AAAAAAAAA-8/AgBqWao9T6k/s320/corfu+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463981158338297474" border="0" /></a>This is taken from the Old Fort in Corfu Town.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P17Vx63BI/AAAAAAAAA_M/WyMvm9Y8zPA/s1600/Pic+020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P17Vx63BI/AAAAAAAAA_M/WyMvm9Y8zPA/s320/Pic+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463981172738153490" border="0" /></a>Brian at Agni Bay, If you look above Brian's head you can see two villas nestled into the hillside. The upper one is 'our' villa... well it was ours for a week!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P165YPwFI/AAAAAAAAA_E/3k3ZLKDZDR8/s1600/corfu+5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P165YPwFI/AAAAAAAAA_E/3k3ZLKDZDR8/s320/corfu+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463981165114277970" border="0" /></a>The jetty at Agni Bay. In the summer months they rent out boats from Agni so I imagine the bay is teeming with people and boats. In April there was just us and a couple of chaps repairing another jetty. I know which I prefer. And yes, the sea really was those incredible colours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P16UxWhjI/AAAAAAAAA-0/0xYGeL_ZguU/s1600/corfu+9.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P16UxWhjI/AAAAAAAAA-0/0xYGeL_ZguU/s320/corfu+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463981155287467570" border="0" /></a>Martha, me and Tom at Paleokastritsa which is on the other side of the island to where we were staying. It's a fabulous resort and one where there were a couple of tavernas open! Coffee and baclava... YUM!! The co-ordination of our outfits (including Tom's socks) was purely co-incidental!<br /><br />Refreshed and relaxed we returned home just two days before the volcanic ash closed British airspace. Thank goodness. However, Brian's sister, Eileen, was stranded in New York and missed their mother's funeral which took place on Monday. Through the miracle of the internet, Eileen was able to see and hear the service, but obviously was without the support of her siblings, friends and family. And, a week on, she's still not home.<br /><br />And so to jewellery. We had a fantastic market at Nailsea last weekend. The sunshine put everyone in a good - and jewellery buying - mood! It left my stock a bit depleted so I've been busy replenishing. There's still loads to photograph - and some, I know, won't get snapped, but here's a small selection of what's new. You'll notice that the colours and the names of the pieces have been influenced by our holidays...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P6rh95YLI/AAAAAAAAA_0/O1Zm0MWEsLs/s1600/SCMD+-+Mediterranean+Spectacle+Chain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P6rh95YLI/AAAAAAAAA_0/O1Zm0MWEsLs/s320/SCMD+-+Mediterranean+Spectacle+Chain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463986398689845426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P7naMQk6I/AAAAAAAABAE/ciPxZv5qB6s/s1600/SCKQ+-+Kumquat+Spectacle+Chain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P7naMQk6I/AAAAAAAABAE/ciPxZv5qB6s/s320/SCKQ+-+Kumquat+Spectacle+Chain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463987427394753442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P7nH3KVzI/AAAAAAAAA_8/XWz8-zcQLG4/s1600/SCGS+-+Grecian+Skies+Spectacle+Chain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P7nH3KVzI/AAAAAAAAA_8/XWz8-zcQLG4/s320/SCGS+-+Grecian+Skies+Spectacle+Chain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463987422474426162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P6qzdfRbI/AAAAAAAAA_k/q52Edhr-rdk/s1600/SSSFU+-+Surf%27s+Up.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P6qzdfRbI/AAAAAAAAA_k/q52Edhr-rdk/s320/SSSFU+-+Surf%27s+Up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463986386205885874" border="0" /></a><br />This one features lampwork glass by Tania Grey of Tan, of course, along with freshwater pearls, Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver.<br /><br />The next two have lampwork by Ellie Welch of Stardust and Dreams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P8DZeFMkI/AAAAAAAABAM/l-g9bANlGa8/s1600/SSBCM+-+Beachcomber.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P8DZeFMkI/AAAAAAAABAM/l-g9bANlGa8/s320/SSBCM+-+Beachcomber.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463987908237406786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P6qk88aHI/AAAAAAAAA_c/36BaP4e_jrk/s1600/SSHYP+-+Hypnotic.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S9P6qk88aHI/AAAAAAAAA_c/36BaP4e_jrk/s320/SSHYP+-+Hypnotic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463986382311286898" border="0" /></a><br />This week we have one of our offices and then on May Day Bank Holiday Monday we're selling at the North Somerset Show. We've not done this event before and we're really looking forward to it. Do come and find us in the craft marquee if you're visiting the show.<br /><br />Also this week, it's school prize-giving for Martha, when we'll find out what she has won a prize for! We're all intrigued.<br /><br />Tom has got two Chemistry practicals and then two papers about the practicals. This is the start of a big couple of months for Tom. He's got to get all A grades in his A levels in order to be able to take his place at Oxford. It's such a lot pressure for him, but so far, he's taking it in his stride...<br /><br />OK, time to go and enjoy some more of this wonderful weather we're having. Hope it's as beautiful where you are.<br /><br />Take care, everyone.<br /><br />Much love<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-39793737255454910192010-04-02T09:50:00.006+01:002010-04-02T10:27:26.102+01:00Cheltenham and ChumsLast weekend I met up with lovely, lovely chums at Cheltenham Bead Fair. We all congregated around Julie Fountain's <a href="http://lushlampwork.co.uk/">Lush Lampwork</a> stall and went off on various forays to buy beads, cabochons, meet other beadery friends and feed and water ourselves.<br /><br />Here's a link to a photograph of some of us: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gemwaithnia/4467637249/">photo courtesy of Nia</a><br /><br />I didn't buy too much... just a few beads and a few cabochons for more rings and pendants. I did buy some fabulous glass beads from Celia on the <a href="http://www.jencel.co.uk/">Jencel</a> stall and couldn't wait to get home and get making:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwV03mABI/AAAAAAAAA9s/nyIebpKHyqk/s1600/Cheltenham+Produce.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwV03mABI/AAAAAAAAA9s/nyIebpKHyqk/s320/Cheltenham+Produce.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460412644786194" border="0" /></a>Yesterday we were selling in one of our offices, and I'm happy to report that all, bar one, of these were sold. Guess what I'll be making more of today?<br /><br />I also bought some more enamelled ceramic beads - I love them:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwDw5uPhI/AAAAAAAAA9U/ALMLtVfsvqc/s1600/SSAG+-+It%27s+all+Greek+to+me....jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwDw5uPhI/AAAAAAAAA9U/ALMLtVfsvqc/s320/SSAG+-+It%27s+all+Greek+to+me....jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460102342327826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwDdgz6vI/AAAAAAAAA9M/yPPz8VyKBSw/s1600/SSTW+-+Troubled+Waters.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwDdgz6vI/AAAAAAAAA9M/yPPz8VyKBSw/s320/SSTW+-+Troubled+Waters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460097137568498" border="0" /></a>In both these sets, I've teamed the beads with Sterling Silver and Troubled Water also features Swarovski Crystals which pick up the oil colours beautifully.<br /><br />Also this week I have been working on a commission for some pearl and vermeil (sterling silver covered in a layer of 24ct gold) earrings. These were my first pair:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwWfa7NRI/AAAAAAAAA98/84uCVHUyT5M/s1600/EVSMP+-+Simplicity+Earrings.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwWfa7NRI/AAAAAAAAA98/84uCVHUyT5M/s320/EVSMP+-+Simplicity+Earrings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460424067265810" border="0" /></a>which the customer liked, but wanted rounder pearls and longer chains, so:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwDCHDRPI/AAAAAAAAA9E/DId2Wpnz1cY/s1600/CIMG4700.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwDCHDRPI/AAAAAAAAA9E/DId2Wpnz1cY/s320/CIMG4700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460089781765362" border="0" /></a>which she loved. Another happy customer. :-)<br /><br />Recently I have been using these stretch bracelets to attach my magatamas to. I'm still making the more traditional chain maille ones, but these are great for anyone buying a gift as they are not so size dependant.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwEp-HDeI/AAAAAAAAA9k/puVmNeZ-kpU/s1600/BEGP+-+Golden+Pebbles+Elasticated+Bracelet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwEp-HDeI/AAAAAAAAA9k/puVmNeZ-kpU/s320/BEGP+-+Golden+Pebbles+Elasticated+Bracelet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460117661552098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwED7lGQI/AAAAAAAAA9c/NX8LfMv8rTg/s1600/BECA+-+Aqua+Copper+Elasticated+Bracelet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwED7lGQI/AAAAAAAAA9c/NX8LfMv8rTg/s320/BECA+-+Aqua+Copper+Elasticated+Bracelet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460107450390786" border="0" /></a>At events, I do alter bracelets to fit, but if the customer is buying for someone else then that can present a sizing problem. Of course, rings are even more tricky... a matter of a fraction of a millimetre can be the difference between fitting and not fitting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwW7xc9DI/AAAAAAAAA-E/0DTJFm4LYCA/s1600/CIMG4679.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S7WwW7xc9DI/AAAAAAAAA-E/0DTJFm4LYCA/s320/CIMG4679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455460431677944882" border="0" /></a>This necklace I made a little while ago, but hadn't photographed it. I bought the shells at Spring Fair. Shells, I hear you ask, what shells? Click on the photo to see it larger and you'll discover the teeny tiny shells. Aren't they lovely... but can you imagine having to make the holes in those?<br /><br />This weekend, Sarah and I are selling at a two day craft fair in Wells Town Hall. It's a BIG one with over 80 stalls. Should be fun!<br /><br />What news on the home front?<br /><br />Martha is to be awarded a prize at the annual school prize giving. We don't know what for, but hey, a prize is a prize. Well done, my lovely girl.<br /><br />Tom is making a good start on his revision for his A levels this summer. Hopefully over the Easter holidays he'll really get into it and go into the exams feeling confident.<br /><br />Brian went walking on the south coast last weekend with some of his friends from football... 19 miles, they went!! He was totally wasted when he got home!<br /><br />After the craft fair at Wells, we are away for a few days... so I'll catch up with you when I return.<br /><br />Lastly, please send prayers and good thoughts for my mother-in-law who is very poorly.<br /><br />Have a great long weekend, All.<br /><br />Much love and hugs,<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-20715534672519252762010-03-19T18:39:00.006+00:002010-03-19T19:08:00.024+00:00You can't always make what you want...<span style="font-style: italic;">... But if you try sometimes you might find</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You make what you need...</span><br /><br />(With apologies to the Rolling Stones for altering their words slightly...)<br /><br />All week I've been trying to get to do more of my silver, but it just didn't happen (apart from two hours in my class). But I did do my accounts (all up to date!), made some things for the website and finished a commission.<br /><br />First of all, here's a photograph of Tom manning our stall at last week's market in Weston-super-Mare.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFc8aIQcI/AAAAAAAAA80/NHlDit4n5Q8/s1600-h/CIMG4657.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFc8aIQcI/AAAAAAAAA80/NHlDit4n5Q8/s320/CIMG4657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450417075091161538" border="0" /></a>It wasn't the most successful event, but hopefully it will build as people get used to us being there. As you can see we had a lovely bread stall behind us - and over to the right where you can see a person in a red and white coat, that was the hog roast! Wonderful smells all morning... and all I had was an unripe banana. I'm being SO good at the moment... can you see my halo from where you are?<br /><br />Here's some of the things that got made/onto the website this week:<br /><br />Some spectacle chains. This is why most people come to my website, so I try to keep a reasonable stock on the page. I think I added 10 this week!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFWrilJOI/AAAAAAAAA8s/PD9MY8KmTjc/s1600-h/CIMG4676.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFWMmEHyI/AAAAAAAAA8k/OpXJWjz3RTc/s1600-h/SCFN+-+Film+Noir.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 171px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFWMmEHyI/AAAAAAAAA8k/OpXJWjz3RTc/s320/SCFN+-+Film+Noir.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450416959177105186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFV_yKJRI/AAAAAAAAA8c/QbKWWh0DvRE/s1600-h/SCPV+-+Parma+Violets.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFV_yKJRI/AAAAAAAAA8c/QbKWWh0DvRE/s320/SCPV+-+Parma+Violets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450416955738170642" border="0" /></a><br />And then I made some wine charms... these go well at the markets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFVvVI2gI/AAAAAAAAA8U/FTQt_fme-tc/s1600-h/WGRD4+-+Gardening+Wine+Charms.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFVvVI2gI/AAAAAAAAA8U/FTQt_fme-tc/s320/WGRD4+-+Gardening+Wine+Charms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450416951321483778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFVUuEvlI/AAAAAAAAA8M/lWmGUESQB-A/s1600-h/WBTF+-+Butterfly+Wine+Charms.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFVUuEvlI/AAAAAAAAA8M/lWmGUESQB-A/s320/WBTF+-+Butterfly+Wine+Charms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450416944178314834" border="0" /></a>My friend, Lynne, asked me to make a handbag charm/keyring and mobile phone charm for her sister. Here's one in blues:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFWrilJOI/AAAAAAAAA8s/PD9MY8KmTjc/s1600-h/CIMG4676.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PFWrilJOI/AAAAAAAAA8s/PD9MY8KmTjc/s320/CIMG4676.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450416967483991266" border="0" /></a>And I also made one in pinks and purples, so she had a choice:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PHgVGpS3I/AAAAAAAAA88/60g9hKuNkbE/s1600-h/CIMG4675.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S6PHgVGpS3I/AAAAAAAAA88/60g9hKuNkbE/s320/CIMG4675.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450419332283190130" border="0" /></a><br />And, good news, she liked them both... so she had them both! What a lovely customer!<br /><br />And that's the lesson for today... You can't always make what <span style="font-weight: bold;">YOU</span> want... you have to make what <span style="font-weight: bold;">YOUR CUSTOMER</span> wants. No point in having masses of stock if it's not the sort of thing you can sell from your website or at your venues... and if you know what your customers ARE looking for, then that's what you need to make.<br /><br />OK, I didn't get to make what I wanted - but that didn't stop me enjoying making the things I did make. And hopefully, next week there will be time for more silver.<br /><br />My rings and pendant that I showed you last time have gone off to be hallmarked - how exciting. I'll show you when I get them back.<br /><br />Tomorrow, our regular monthly craft market in Nailsea starts up again after a break for January and February. It will be nice to be back, we have some really lovely regular customers there. And, in honour of St Patrick's day this week, we're having some young Irish dancers performing. Should be fun.<br /><br />Not too much to report on the home front this week. My kitchen is currently full of teenagers discussing Biology! They're setting themselves up some revision sessions in preparation for the A2 exams in May/June. They're doing the heart and respiration today.<br /><br />Right, I'm off to my book club in a minute, we've been reading The White Tiger. An interesting read. Have you read it? What did you think?<br /><br />Have a great weekend, everyone. Take care and have fun.<br /><br />Much love to all,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-58955761537466166042010-03-12T15:03:00.004+00:002010-03-12T15:27:24.884+00:00Setting the Scene...This week there has been a lot of setting going on... stone setting that is. Here's what I've been up to:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWedmIQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/TKF93WnAJk4/s1600-h/PSOJP+-+Drop+in+the+Ocean.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWedmIQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/TKF93WnAJk4/s320/PSOJP+-+Drop+in+the+Ocean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447763842415599874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWZTaQ8I/AAAAAAAAA7s/bNvfHWI2WZE/s1600-h/PSBMJ+-+Blue+Mountain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWZTaQ8I/AAAAAAAAA7s/bNvfHWI2WZE/s320/PSBMJ+-+Blue+Mountain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447763841030702018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYkwX2aMI/AAAAAAAAA8E/JsrFSVXmF3k/s1600-h/RSRF+-+Spring+in+a+Ring.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYkwX2aMI/AAAAAAAAA8E/JsrFSVXmF3k/s320/RSRF+-+Spring+in+a+Ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447764087741507778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYkVgTbNI/AAAAAAAAA78/y0XkVTHvVVI/s1600-h/RSPSG+-+Out+On+the+wiley,+windy+moors.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYkVgTbNI/AAAAAAAAA78/y0XkVTHvVVI/s320/RSPSG+-+Out+On+the+wiley,+windy+moors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447764080529206482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWrRKp4I/AAAAAAAAA70/F1_rsGp5_14/s1600-h/RSBA+-+Paint+it+Black.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWrRKp4I/AAAAAAAAA70/F1_rsGp5_14/s320/RSBA+-+Paint+it+Black.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447763845853128578" border="0" /></a>For those that don't know, stone setting is quite a tricky business... First you make the bezel (the bit that goes round the stone) - this has to be a good fit, you cut it to length then solder it to make it into a continuous piece. Then you solder the bezel to the back plate and then spend hours filing and sanding to get the bezel and back plate to be flush. Then you attach the bail or the ring or whatever you need to make it into a functional piece of jewellery and then, and only then, you put in the stone and rub the bezel over the edge of the stone to hold it in place. Phew! You can see why it's taken so long for me to make these pieces!<br /><br />I'm really pleased with them. The rings won't be on the website for a little while as they are going off to be hallmarked (my first hallmarked items! - very posh!).<br /><br />Talking of posh, I've also completed a commission this week for a spectacle chain, bracelet and earrings set... but this was no ordinary set. Have a look:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYV887kUI/AAAAAAAAA7U/RgEIJseo6ZY/s1600-h/Jo-Ann+Set.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYV887kUI/AAAAAAAAA7U/RgEIJseo6ZY/s320/Jo-Ann+Set.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447763833420222786" border="0" /></a>Yes, lots of freshwater pearls and loads and loads of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Swarovski</span> Crystals. Very, very twinkly!<br /><br />This one was the one the customer went for, the one below was my first attempt which wasn't quite right. The spectacle chain and the bracelet will be on the website shortly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWABdYxI/AAAAAAAAA7c/BZa9YL8c8gE/s1600-h/CIMG4604.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5pYWABdYxI/AAAAAAAAA7c/BZa9YL8c8gE/s320/CIMG4604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447763834244522770" border="0" /></a>On the home front, Martha got excellent results in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GCSE</span> modules she took in January. Tom didn't do quite as well as he hoped, but hopefully this will encourage him to work really hard for the summer exams.<br /><br />I heard this week that a friend had died from a brain tumour. She was way too young and full of life to be taken. A beautiful, vivacious lady with whom I shared many, many laughs. Rest in peace, Polly.<br /><br />Tomorrow is the first of the new craft markets in Weston Super Mare. I'm doing that one with Brian and Tom while Sarah is doing another event in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nailsea</span>. This is one of the very few times that we've split our stock and done separate events. Fingers crossed it will work out well!<br /><br />Then straight after the market, we're up to Leicester for the rest of the weekend. Out with friends on Saturday night and then with my mum, brother and sister-in-law for Chinese on Sunday lunchtime to celebrate Mothering Sunday. If you are celebrating, I hope you have fun!<br /><br />Have a great weekend, everyone.<br /><br />Much love to all.<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-88407312669541572452010-03-05T12:58:00.004+00:002010-03-05T13:18:30.931+00:00Party, party, party...So how are you all? Hope you're well and happy.<br /><br />Well, the big news it that I'm now the mother of an 18 year old! Tom's birthday on 20th February was wonderful. We took him to the pub at lunchtime to buy his first legal round of drinks and then in the evening we had a big family party. It was great fun.<br /><br />Here he is cutting his cake. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECKnRZL2I/AAAAAAAAA60/F6nm-nfLek8/s1600-h/Tom+with+cake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECKnRZL2I/AAAAAAAAA60/F6nm-nfLek8/s320/Tom+with+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445135805831524194" border="0" /></a>Also in this picture are Sarah, who is my partner in crime when selling jewellery, my fabulous hubby and my lovely, lovely Mum. <br /><br />On the jewellery front, I've been hard at work finishing my project for my jewellery course. Here it is:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECK1EmfUI/AAAAAAAAA68/Exk3bArXWRk/s1600-h/Completed+Basket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECK1EmfUI/AAAAAAAAA68/Exk3bArXWRk/s320/Completed+Basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445135809535966530" border="0" /></a>The basket is brass with copper foil woven in and out of it, the handle and rim are copper and the bail (more of that in a minute) is brass and copper. The necklet is silk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECLAzmjwI/AAAAAAAAA7E/yhexyYScyzA/s1600-h/Reverse+of+basket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECLAzmjwI/AAAAAAAAA7E/yhexyYScyzA/s320/Reverse+of+basket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445135812685893378" border="0" /></a>This is the reverse - a piece of shiny brass.<br /><br />The bail was the bit that caused me most headaches. I wanted to try making one of these woven bails, but, boy, are they fiddly!<br /><br />Here are my attempts to get it looking neat...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECLSiCXjI/AAAAAAAAA7M/n6Hea1r9Bbg/s1600-h/Improving+Woven+Bail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S5ECLSiCXjI/AAAAAAAAA7M/n6Hea1r9Bbg/s320/Improving+Woven+Bail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445135817444056626" border="0" /></a>The first attempt I made (somewhat foolishly) in Sterling Silver, I then switched to copper and then the final one is brass and copper.<br />To make them you form a skeleton of wire and then wrap hair thin wire round, in and out, round, in and out, to form the weaving. I'm glad I persevered and hope to make some more, I do think they're attractive.<br /><br />It's been a busy couple of weeks with sales in offices, a great party last night and trying to build up stock. But I've loved every minute.<br /><br />Right, that's it for now. Short and sweet just to keep you up to date. Will hopefully be back soon with more things to show you.<br /><br />Take care, all, and have a great weekend.<br /><br />Much love<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-49408955466212718832010-02-11T17:19:00.006+00:002010-02-11T18:12:09.373+00:00Anyone who had a heart...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFeOV3JUI/AAAAAAAAA6s/Bwzv_NRm7y0/s1600-h/CIMG4550.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFeOV3JUI/AAAAAAAAA6s/Bwzv_NRm7y0/s320/CIMG4550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437047035691214146" border="0" /></a><br />This was my haul from the Chepstow Bead Fair at the end of January - and as you'll see, there were quite a few hearts! The lampwork ones are by my lovely mate, Julie of Lush Lampwork. The bright coloured ones are fossil beads - not quite sure what they are fossils of, but that's what it said on the label!<br /><br />Since then I have also been to the Spring Fair at the NEC and bought a 'few' more beads, but they are already in the process of being turned into lovely things, so you'll have to wait to see those!<br /><br />Here's what happened to some of my Chepstow beads... These are all Sterling Silver earrings:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFd8g1AxI/AAAAAAAAA6k/niwsqF2spAs/s1600-h/CIMG4570.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFd8g1AxI/AAAAAAAAA6k/niwsqF2spAs/s320/CIMG4570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437047030905373458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFdoZUMnI/AAAAAAAAA6c/e3KUx_UgO00/s1600-h/CIMG4568.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFdoZUMnI/AAAAAAAAA6c/e3KUx_UgO00/s320/CIMG4568.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437047025505153650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFdfNLy8I/AAAAAAAAA6U/RKVKrDB7gW4/s1600-h/CIMG4566.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFdfNLy8I/AAAAAAAAA6U/RKVKrDB7gW4/s320/CIMG4566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437047023038352322" border="0" /></a>These three feature little porcelain hearts that I fell for in a big way! I love the mottled colours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFdHwUcYI/AAAAAAAAA6M/C9rS1BVHsd4/s1600-h/CIMG4561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3RFdHwUcYI/AAAAAAAAA6M/C9rS1BVHsd4/s320/CIMG4561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437047016743268738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3Q8gAzeceI/AAAAAAAAA6E/Y3FIbP6zEoc/s1600-h/CIMG4559.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3Q8gAzeceI/AAAAAAAAA6E/Y3FIbP6zEoc/s320/CIMG4559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437037170812416482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3Q8f0ESJYI/AAAAAAAAA58/AlgfLDR-fm8/s1600-h/CIMG4554.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S3Q8f0ESJYI/AAAAAAAAA58/AlgfLDR-fm8/s320/CIMG4554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437037167393252738" border="0" /></a>And these three are enamelled ceramic beads - aren't they gorgeous? I've got some more of these, so expect to see a few more yet!<br /><br />I have got some more things to show you, but haven't got round to the photographs yet. Hope to get to them soon!<br /><br />And I must get on and use some of the lovely beads I've bought over the last couple of weeks - not to mention the hundreds that I've already got! So many beads, so little time. <br /><br />And I've got to finish my project for my evening class soon. I've done the (more interesting) practical part, now I've 'just' got to do the write-up. I'll post up a picture of what I've made in the next post.<br /><br />On the home front: Tom is away on a field trip this week. He's on Exmoor. Don't envy him at all, it's bloomin' freezing! The house is very quiet without him. He's due back tomorrow. And then it'll be just over a week until he's 18. Still trying to get my head around that one.<br /><br />Martha is on cloud 9 at the moment as she's going on a school trip to Barcelona. Now that one I am envious of. Barcelona is top of my 'places I really want to go' list. <br /><br />Happy birthday, Dad. Love and miss you, every day.<br /><br />Take care, everyone. Keep warm!<br /><br />Much love,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-78302834286802006922010-02-01T10:15:00.006+00:002010-02-01T11:31:23.271+00:00A New A-Brooch...Hi there,<br /><br />How are you all doing? It's bright but oh-so-cold here!<br /><br />This week is all about brooches. These first three, available on the website, I have made with Sterling Silver wire and hand-made lampwork beads in different shades. I have made these before - and always wear one on my favourite pink cardigan, but these designs are a little more 'out there ' - I've been a bit more experimental with the flow of the silver. And I'm pleased with how they turned out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2arCglCSCI/AAAAAAAAA5c/hnOMWInzOVY/s1600-h/DMM+-+Monotone+Maze.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2arCglCSCI/AAAAAAAAA5c/hnOMWInzOVY/s320/DMM+-+Monotone+Maze.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433218060062443554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2ap_BNLvhI/AAAAAAAAA5M/gtzrTSKCJds/s1600-h/DBB+-+Bouncing+Blues.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2ap_BNLvhI/AAAAAAAAA5M/gtzrTSKCJds/s320/DBB+-+Bouncing+Blues.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433216900589665810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2ap-gURbxI/AAAAAAAAA5E/KQeLx7cehCA/s1600-h/DAA+-+Autumn+Almanac.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2ap-gURbxI/AAAAAAAAA5E/KQeLx7cehCA/s320/DAA+-+Autumn+Almanac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433216891761028882" border="0" /></a>And just in case you're trying to remember who sang 'Autumn Almanac' it was The Kinks... really showing my age there!!<br /><br />This next brooch is based on a kilt pin. It was commission by my lovely chum, Anne, as a present for her mother-in-law.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2ap3OaRSUI/AAAAAAAAA48/ycH2OIvhI9E/s1600-h/For+Anne.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S2ap3OaRSUI/AAAAAAAAA48/ycH2OIvhI9E/s320/For+Anne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433216766695262530" border="0" /></a><br />The beads include Labradorite, Fluorite, Iolite, Botswana Agate, Sodalite, Blue Lace Agate, Swarovski Crystals and a generous sprinkling of Freshwater Pearls.<br /><br />I spent a lovely day yesterday with Julie of Lush Lampwork at Chepstow Bead Fair. I have to admit I did buy a 'few' beads, but not too many as we're off to Spring Fair at the NEC next week and I know there will be oodles of temptation there. I will photograph my haul from yesterday and let you see just how restrained I was.<br /><br />If you have some time to spare (and be warned, you could be there a while), hop over to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/rad2010/pool/">Ring a Day Group on Flickr</a>. There you'll find a bunch of jewellery designers who have pledged to make a ring every day <span style="font-weight: bold;">FOR A YEAR!</span> I kid you not. In order to fulfil their promise they sometimes have to resort to a ring made from an elastic band or an old bus ticket, but most days they are producing the most fantastic jewellery. I'm totally hooked on seeing what they've made every day. I admire their tenactity and their skill.<br /><br />On the home front, Tom is off for an interview at Birmingham University on Wednesday, so we all wish him luck. We're in the process of sorting out a 'do' for him for his 18th in a couple of weeks. Where did that time go? Answers on a postcard...<br /><br />OK, time to get washed and dressed (why is working in your pjs SO much better?) and get on with making something lovely with my beads from yesterday. Our first office sale is on Friday and we're hoping to remind some of the men that Valentine's Day is not far off!<br /><br />Take care, all.<br /><br />Much love,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-74023564390582370982010-01-22T19:21:00.007+00:002010-01-22T19:57:58.151+00:00Recyling, Repurposing and Re...er... Sunshining!I've been waiting a couple of days to show you this... the light has just been awful here, so dull, but I couldn't wait any longer. Look at this!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7KdBrfEI/AAAAAAAAA4M/wrwGDmgzaTA/s1600-h/RSFD+-+Fordite+RIng.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7KdBrfEI/AAAAAAAAA4M/wrwGDmgzaTA/s320/RSFD+-+Fordite+RIng.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429646982780779586" border="0" /></a><br />Can you guess what it is? It's a cabochon of Fordite, a remarkable and rare material. It is solidified car paint from the Ford plant at Dagenham. Can you believe it? When the paint shops were closed there was a huge build up of paint on the walls and floors and it was found that this compacted material could be cut, shaped and polished like a stone. The colours and patterns are just fabulous. <br /><br />I have set the cabochon in Sterling Silver. <br /><br />So, that's the repurposing, here's the recycling:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7Ks_uOqI/AAAAAAAAA4U/tg6ihT-dOlw/s1600-h/SSAMN2+-+Amethyst+Mist.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7Ks_uOqI/AAAAAAAAA4U/tg6ihT-dOlw/s320/SSAMN2+-+Amethyst+Mist.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429646987067538082" border="0" /></a><br />These lovely lampwork beads by Tania Grey, of Tan, Of Course, were made into another set, but I wasn't happy with it, so that was taken apart and I've made this new one. The lovely Swarovski pearls compliment the lampwork beautifully.<br /><br />I've added a few new spectacle chains to the website today too, here are two of them.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7LPwUSiI/AAAAAAAAA4k/xYyukXtaZNA/s1600-h/SCRB+-+Rubina.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7LPwUSiI/AAAAAAAAA4k/xYyukXtaZNA/s320/SCRB+-+Rubina.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429646996398164514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7K6rSMNI/AAAAAAAAA4c/RHyU5T_qR8g/s1600-h/SCBTF+-+BLack+to+the+Future.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7K6rSMNI/AAAAAAAAA4c/RHyU5T_qR8g/s320/SCBTF+-+BLack+to+the+Future.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429646990739910866" border="0" /></a><br />And last, but certainly not least, my love and thanks go to Maz Simpson of Amari gems (do pop over and have a look at her blog: <a href="http://amarigems.blogspot.com/">here</a> - she makes the most amazing jewellery) who has given me the Sunshine Award. This has really brightened my day, which outside was cold, wet and misty with low lying cloud.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7rdvwh2I/AAAAAAAAA4s/IPTpFG1wHIg/s1600-h/sunshineblogaward.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 170px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1n7rdvwh2I/AAAAAAAAA4s/IPTpFG1wHIg/s320/sunshineblogaward.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429647549909731170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:small;" ><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">The rules for accepting the Sunshine award</span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:small;" ><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>~ Put the logo on your blog or within your post </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>~ Pass the award onto 12 bloggers ~ </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>~ Link the nominees within your post ~</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>~ Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>~ Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.<br /><br />My nomiated award winners are:<br />(please do go and visit their blogs, they're all really interesting)<br /><br /><a href="http://beadypool.blogspot.com/">Beady Pool</a><br /><a href="http://cindydaniel.blogspot.com/">Behind the Scenes at Jewelry Tales</a><br /><a href="http://chameleonsdesigns.blogspot.com/">Chameleon Designs</a><br /><a href="http://chatelainejewellery.blogspot.com/">ChatElaine Jewellery</a><br /><a href="http://cristinasjewelry.blogspot.com/">Cristina's Jewelry</a><br /><a href="http://jemsdirect.blogspot.com/">Eve's Gems</a><br /><a href="http://joyfunnell.blogspot.com/">Fired with Imagination</a><br /><a href="http://kiamyka.blogspot.com/">Kiamyka - Now and Then</a><br /><a href="http://littlecastledesigns.blogspot.com/">Little Castle Designs</a><br /><a href="http://juliefountain.blogspot.com/">Lush Blogs</a><br /><a href="http://smabla.blogspot.com/">Made by AnnaK</a><br /><a href="http://beadsbyclarescott.blogspot.com/">The Makings of Beads by Clare Scott</a><br /><br /></i></span></div></i></span><div style="text-align: left;">OK, that's it for now.<br /><br />Have a great weekend, everyone.<br /><br />Much love,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xx<br /></div>Coburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-62557202020663334802010-01-15T19:53:00.006+00:002010-01-16T10:06:42.686+00:00Brrrrrrrrr!Blimey, wasn't it cold!!!<br /><br />Hope you've all survived the snow, ice and fog! The snow here has now all melted and I can't say I'm sorry to see the back of it. It has made getting around very difficult and I've been going a little stir crazy!<br /><br />And it was SO cold! My workshop is in a single story extension at the back of the house and although it has a central heating radiator, it was just too cold to work in there. I moved my computer onto the dining room table and I've been catching up with admin and stuff all week. However, a new oil-filled radiator was delivered this afternoon and hopefully that will mean I really get down to work next week.<br /><br />I do have some photographs for you. These are things that were made before Christmas but which I didn't have time to photograph or get onto the website. They will be available on the website by Monday.<br /><br />First up is a ring. I love rings and hope to be making lots more.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_CvokGI/AAAAAAAAA3c/rUed3teveSY/s1600-h/RSSH2+-+Squiggle+Ring.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_CvokGI/AAAAAAAAA3c/rUed3teveSY/s320/RSSH2+-+Squiggle+Ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427058536375423074" border="0" /></a>This one features a squiggle of hammered silver and then a plain band at the back. Two of my very favourite people already have one of these... you know who you are!<br /><br />There are some new squiggle pendants too, this one I really like... well, of course, I like all of them, but some shout louder than others!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_aTZh7I/AAAAAAAAA3k/gk1dvfzkTJA/s1600-h/PSSQ87+-+Iris.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_aTZh7I/AAAAAAAAA3k/gk1dvfzkTJA/s320/PSSQ87+-+Iris.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427058542699448242" border="0" /></a>This rather dramatic set features some black agate beads which have these circle on them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_oIc7II/AAAAAAAAA3s/CK2Y6sPm5NM/s1600-h/SSBTD+-+The+Dress+Circle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_oIc7II/AAAAAAAAA3s/CK2Y6sPm5NM/s320/SSBTD+-+The+Dress+Circle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427058546411629698" border="0" /></a>They're rather lovely, aren't they? This is a real statement necklace and so I've used some very special Sterling Silver beads which are mini-masterpieces in their own right!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DJAGv8S7I/AAAAAAAAA38/9PHMzqvuFCM/s1600-h/SSTQB+-+Cerrillos.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DJAGv8S7I/AAAAAAAAA38/9PHMzqvuFCM/s320/SSTQB+-+Cerrillos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427058554630327218" border="0" /></a>I love turquoise and especially when it's teamed with silver. Cerrillos is the name of a town in New Mexico where they still mine turquoise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_95jmEI/AAAAAAAAA30/JgBVa3si8AA/s1600-h/SSAP+-+Aqua+Pure.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DI_95jmEI/AAAAAAAAA30/JgBVa3si8AA/s320/SSAP+-+Aqua+Pure.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427058552254732354" border="0" /></a><br />Amazonite is the stone here and it's such a gorgeous colour. I find it very calming.<br /><br />There are some other sets too, but I'll let you see those when they're loaded.<br /><br />Several people have asked about the reunion with my brother back in July... It was just wonderful. Emotional, of course, but totally joyous. And, even better, he's promised to come again... soon! I can't wait. Here's a photo of us all...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DLTeC6KOI/AAAAAAAAA4E/96n6iYucyKY/s1600-h/CIMG4153.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/S1DLTeC6KOI/AAAAAAAAA4E/96n6iYucyKY/s320/CIMG4153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427061086324664546" border="0" /></a><br />From the left, my youngest brother, Martha - my daughter, me, Tom - my son, my sister-in-law, my Brazilian sister-in-law, my lovely, lovely Mum, my long lost brother and his daughter.<br /><br />Right, I'm about done for this week. Time to put the feet up, order the Chinese and open the wine. I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll see you next week.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-89404643283380799912010-01-08T15:35:00.002+00:002010-01-08T15:45:36.681+00:00Happy New Year!How was your Christmas? Seems ages ago already, doesn't it? We had a lovely time, just the four of us for the actual day, then over to Cardiff to see Brian's family on Boxing Day. Then two days moving furniture - swapping the spare room and Brian's office. It was a lot of work (and a visit to the chiropractor for me!), but very worthwhile.<br /><br />Mum and my bro and his wife came down on the Tuesday and then Mum stayed until yesterday. It was lovely to have her here, as always... especially as she's a dab hand with the beading! <br /><br />Our New Year's Eve party was fun with loads of family and friends to help us celebrate.<br /><br />The kids only went back to school/college for two days and then had two days off for the snow... and then back to school again today. More snow is forecast for Sunday/Monday, so there may be more snow days to come.<br /><br />This week I've been catching up with the accounts... boring! So no new jewellery. Next week, I shall be getting my nose back to the grindstone and so I'll hopefully have loads to show you.<br /><br />The BIG news, from just before Christmas, is that Tom has got a place at Trinity College, Oxford to study medicine. There aren't words to describe how proud we are of him. Of course, he still has to get the grades, but I know he can do it.<br /><br />Hope you're surviving <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OK</span> with the weather, wherever you are.<br /><br />Much love to all,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-25085494475089034052009-12-24T15:23:00.001+00:002009-12-24T15:25:12.531+00:00Merry Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SzOHfa67XnI/AAAAAAAAA3U/4Wa0R1GG-yI/s1600-h/Christmas+2009+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SzOHfa67XnI/AAAAAAAAA3U/4Wa0R1GG-yI/s320/Christmas+2009+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418823750529015410" border="0" /></a><br />Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.<br /><br />Having abandoned you for half the year, I can only promise that 2010 will be different.<br /><br />With much love to all,<br /><br />Lesley<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-64172491018563273632009-07-11T10:31:00.005+01:002009-07-11T11:08:57.449+01:00Family and FriendsOops! Where did that month go? Sorry, blog readers for neglecting you for so long.<br /><br />So, what's been happening... Well, there's BIG family news... which I'll tell you about at the end. What a tease!<br /><br />Sarah and I have done loads of events and most of them were pretty good... in fact, some were excellent! We've got a busy few weeks ahead of us too. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Portishead</span> Flower Show, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Publow</span> Garden Fete and Bristol Balloon Fiesta! And our monthly appearance at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nailsea</span> Craft Market which is proving to be a super event. On top of all that we have our office selling days which are so enjoyable.<br /><br />So, it's been heads down working hard for the last few weeks - and for the next few weeks too.<br /><br />New jewellery... Here we go with a small selection:<br /><br />The first one is a pendant made with sterling silver wire, which I have shaped, soldered and then hammered to give a 3-D effect... then hung a wonderfully marked ocean jasper bead in the centre.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkGn8_4I/AAAAAAAAA2w/mKBQ1Gcq2_g/s1600-h/Octavia+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkGn8_4I/AAAAAAAAA2w/mKBQ1Gcq2_g/s320/Octavia+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357134631592066946" border="0" /></a><br />The next one I made using the same process but filled the centre with squiggles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkCU24qI/AAAAAAAAA24/XgYsO-px2ss/s1600-h/Titania+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkCU24qI/AAAAAAAAA24/XgYsO-px2ss/s320/Titania+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357134630438232738" border="0" /></a><br />For this next one, I hammered the base plate - with one of my lovely new hammers - and then soldered the coils of wire onto the front. Then the whole thing - including the chain - was dipped into Liver of Sulphur to oxidise it - turn it black. I then polished it so that the blackness was removed or lightened on the highlights. I was thinking of ferns... but having consulted pictures of ferns (after I finished it) I find that they curl in the opposite direction! Hey ho, artistic license.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkcpUKAI/AAAAAAAAA3A/xjfBX3I0PTs/s1600-h/Woodland+Glade+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkcpUKAI/AAAAAAAAA3A/xjfBX3I0PTs/s320/Woodland+Glade+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357134637503358978" border="0" /></a>A lady at one of the offices asked me to make an amber necklace for her mum. I didn't have any amber... what a great excuse to go shopping... It's actually quite difficult to find suppliers and in the end, these beads came from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hong</span> Kong! I love the different colours. Here I have teamed the amber with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vermeil</span> (Sterling Silver with a layer of 24 carat gold) and I'm pleased with the results. I'm going to make some other styles - some with Sterling Silver - which I'll try to show you... soon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkkjEvkI/AAAAAAAAA3I/qlrtfddHERw/s1600-h/Amber+Medley+Set.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SlhdkkjEvkI/AAAAAAAAA3I/qlrtfddHERw/s320/Amber+Medley+Set.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357134639624666690" border="0" /></a>What else has been happening... Martha took her grade 1 keyboard exam. I could hear some of it from outside the room and it sounded fine... so fingers crossed, she did OK.<br /><br />Tom and I have been looking around <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">universities</span>. We had a day at Birmingham Uni and enjoyed that and then we went to Oxford. It must have been the hottest day of the year... we were melting. But, what a great day. We went inside many of the colleges and it was like we'd visited five or six stately homes. Fabulous. Tom loved it... so 'all' he has to do now is get in!! Of course, competition is fierce for places, but he's going to give it his best shot.<br /><br />Is that the big news? No.<br /><br />I had my birthday. It was wonderful. We had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">barbecue</span> on the Sunday and loads of friends - and my mum - came over and we had a great time. On the Monday - my actual birthday - we went to Bristol Museum and saw the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Banksy</span> exhibit. It's just fantastic. I loved it. Do go and see it if you get the chance.<br /><br />Is that the big news? No.<br /><br />I had a super night out with chums at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Chepstow</span> races. I didn't win anything! But, it was great fun. We had a delicious picnic in the car park (well on a grassy bank at the side of the car park) afterwards and ate cheese and biscuits in the mini bus on the way home.<br /><br />Is that it? No.<br /><br />My lovely mum will be having her birthday soon. She'll be 80. But, you'd never believe it. She doesn't look her age - and, thankfully, I inherited those genes and I'm told I don't look my age either. She's pretty sprightly for her age too. Love you, Mum.<br /><br />Is that the news? No, but close.<br /><br />OK, I give in. The news is related to Mum's birthday. My brother, four years younger than me, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">emigrated</span> to Brazil in 1979. And he's never been back to the UK since... and none of us have ever been over there. BUT, he's coming for Mum's birthday. So, I'll be seeing my brother for the first time in 30 years... next Friday! And I can't wait. He's bringing his wife, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kelle</span>, who we haven't met before - and who doesn't speak English - so that's going to be fun. His daughter, Patricia, is coming too. We have met her before... remember me blogging about it? <a href="http://coburgcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/03/three-generations-on-pier.html">Here.</a> It's going to be just amazing.<br /><br />See, I told you it was BIG!<br /><br />Right, better get washed and dressed and get on with the weekend.<br /><br />Take care, All, and much love to each and every one of you.<br />XXCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-85640704036495008782009-06-09T19:58:00.010+01:002009-06-09T20:31:11.406+01:00Silk, stoppers and squigglesHere's our stall set up for the craft and gift fair in the Broadmead Mall, in Bristol on Saturday. That's Sarah talking to the daughter of another stall holder. You can see that the fair took up a good area in the shopping centre. However, sales were really poor. People just didn't stop to look at what was on offer. Which was a real shame, because there were some wonderful things (and not just on our stall!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6x6veGU2I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/MVFKtlukEos/s1600-h/Broadmead+2009+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6x6veGU2I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/MVFKtlukEos/s320/Broadmead+2009+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405430468596578" border="0" /></a>This is the middle of our table - and I just wanted to show you these new canvases that Sarah has made - aren't they fabulous!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6x64uxr4I/AAAAAAAAA2g/kIX6obF4MD4/s1600-h/Broadmead+2009+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6x64uxr4I/AAAAAAAAA2g/kIX6obF4MD4/s320/Broadmead+2009+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405432954466178" border="0" /></a>Onto Sunday and our table at Bowood Dog Show and Country Fair. You'll see that with a smaller area we couldn't take the canvases with us. We did quite well at Bowood. But spent almost as much as we made on lovely goodies from other stall holders! Hey ho.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6x6s2POcI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/LXu9zooD3q4/s1600-h/Bowood+2009+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6x6s2POcI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/LXu9zooD3q4/s320/Bowood+2009+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405429764536770" border="0" /></a>Onto some jewellery. Actually managed to get outside to take some pics today.<br /><br />First up is a set made with Chrysocolla - which is a new favourite for me. Wonderful colours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xsDh0skI/AAAAAAAAA2A/FDlJurutFDc/s1600-h/Tropical+Reflection+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xsDh0skI/AAAAAAAAA2A/FDlJurutFDc/s320/Tropical+Reflection+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405178154889794" border="0" /></a>The next few are a new design. Beads are threaded onto dyed silk ribbon ((by Diane Turton of Sowzere Designs) and the ends of the ribbon are then threaded through a matching bead and knotted. This means it can be slipped over the head and then the bead moved up so the necklace is the correct length. (Thanks to my lovely mate, Julie Fountain, for this wonderful idea... which I have shamelessly pinched!) I've been wanting some of these ribbons for the longest time, but always seemed to miss them on Diane's website. Once I got my hands on some, I couldn't wait to make them into something lovely. I just love the colours.<br /><br />The first one has beads by Clare Scott and the ribbon is threaded through a large-holed Sterling Silver bead and then back through the bead.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xr0xm3wI/AAAAAAAAA14/3pui_YeflM8/s1600-h/Spice+Wheel+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xr0xm3wI/AAAAAAAAA14/3pui_YeflM8/s320/Spice+Wheel+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405174194560770" border="0" /></a>These beads are also by Clare and again I've used the Sterling Silver beads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xrnqC1mI/AAAAAAAAA1w/RkiEcwqv1ng/s1600-h/Purple+Passion+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xrnqC1mI/AAAAAAAAA1w/RkiEcwqv1ng/s320/Purple+Passion+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405170673178210" border="0" /></a>The beads in this next one are by Julie Fountain of Lush Lampwork and I've knotted the silk between the beads.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6zB8Xr7PI/AAAAAAAAA2o/6J8Sw0SBO_w/s1600-h/Desert+Sunset+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6zB8Xr7PI/AAAAAAAAA2o/6J8Sw0SBO_w/s320/Desert+Sunset+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345406653702073586" border="0" /></a><br />A similar method using more of Julie's wonderful beads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xLuTVo4I/AAAAAAAAA0w/kZvZtHEaJ8I/s1600-h/Cream+Collection+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xLuTVo4I/AAAAAAAAA0w/kZvZtHEaJ8I/s320/Cream+Collection+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404622701175682" border="0" /></a>As Father's Day is approaching and we've got Nailsea Craft Market the day before, I thought I'd better make something suitable for men. So, here are some bottle stoppers onto which I've added lampwork beads. The beads are by various artists including Julie Fountain and Clare Scott.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xcWo35sI/AAAAAAAAA1o/HT_yq5WxCNA/s1600-h/Organics+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 152px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xcWo35sI/AAAAAAAAA1o/HT_yq5WxCNA/s320/Organics+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404908406826690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xcNb2LAI/AAAAAAAAA1g/HUUUY8ZG-V8/s1600-h/Old+Spice+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xcNb2LAI/AAAAAAAAA1g/HUUUY8ZG-V8/s320/Old+Spice+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404905936268290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xsO9SRLI/AAAAAAAAA2I/pMmCJt8T0zg/s1600-h/Purple+Polka+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 164px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xsO9SRLI/AAAAAAAAA2I/pMmCJt8T0zg/s320/Purple+Polka+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345405181222864050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xLsHvrmI/AAAAAAAAA0o/BcSIb7Ppisw/s1600-h/Blue+Fizz+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xLsHvrmI/AAAAAAAAA0o/BcSIb7Ppisw/s320/Blue+Fizz+Bottle+Stopper+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404622115679842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xb-t_wyI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0-SiMkrp_gA/s1600-h/Night+Storm+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xb-t_wyI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/0-SiMkrp_gA/s320/Night+Storm+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404901985862434" border="0" /></a>And lastly some new Sterling Silver Squiggles. Two textured, one not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xb0v_d0I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/6v0XW68V0mI/s1600-h/Luciana+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xb0v_d0I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/6v0XW68V0mI/s320/Luciana+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404899309877058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xbhk1JfI/AAAAAAAAA1I/9s-B5bUV8Ls/s1600-h/Iras+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 287px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xbhk1JfI/AAAAAAAAA1I/9s-B5bUV8Ls/s320/Iras+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404894162789874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xL2VnONI/AAAAAAAAA1A/4AsK_rHl3DA/s1600-h/Imogen+-+Annotated.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Si6xL2VnONI/AAAAAAAAA1A/4AsK_rHl3DA/s320/Imogen+-+Annotated.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345404624858200274" border="0" /></a>Not much else to report - having been out selling all weekend, there wasn't time to get up to much! However, we don't have any more events now until 20th, so I've promised myself some time with the silver - watch this space for the results.<br /><br />Take care, all, and I'll be back soon.<br /><br />Much love<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-66104227563584273162009-06-05T08:41:00.002+01:002009-06-05T08:49:28.334+01:00A quick hello!Just wanted to run past you with a quick wave!<br /><br />Mega busy at the moment - this week we've already had two office sales - one not so good, one absolutely brilliant (go figure!) and then tonight we're setting up to sell in the big shopping centre in the centre of Bristol and then on Sunday we'll be up at the crack of sparrows' to go to Bowood Dog Show and Country Fair. Should be a great weeekend.<br /><br />Monday, I think I'm going to stay in bed all day...<br /><br />Family news: Tom is in the middle of his AS levels and they seem to be going OK. Martha is in the finals of a poetry slam at the end of June and has to perform at the Old Vic! She's very excited about that. <br /><br />As for me I've been beading, silversmithing, beading and, oh yes, beading. Talking of which, I'd better get my nose back on that grindstone. Things are a bit calmer over the next two weeks - beading-wise - although I do have my birthday to think about - it's on the 15th in case you feel the need to dash out and buy me an present ;-) So, hopefully, I'll be back soon with some photos. There's loads to show you, just no time to get it all photographed. <br /><br />I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine and taking care of yourselves.<br /><br />Much love and hugs.<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-55523348709945270302009-05-22T18:14:00.004+01:002009-05-22T18:24:45.347+01:00Guess who's got new hammers!They've come all the way from America and I love them!<br /><br />There are actually two hammers with four different textures. The first one has wide ridges and gives this ripple effect:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxHw2BPI/AAAAAAAAA0E/y70zWLPwyo4/s1600-h/PSPRP+-+Ripples.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxHw2BPI/AAAAAAAAA0E/y70zWLPwyo4/s320/PSPRP+-+Ripples.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698244261545202" border="0" /></a>The next one - and my favourite - has raised circles which give this lovely texture which reminds me of fabric.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxDHf0oI/AAAAAAAAAz8/7Fhk_rlCdXk/s1600-h/PSCM+-+Circular+Motion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxDHf0oI/AAAAAAAAAz8/7Fhk_rlCdXk/s320/PSCM+-+Circular+Motion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698243014382210" border="0" /></a>Narrow ridges give this tree bark - or pouring rain effect.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Shbdwi0jAuI/AAAAAAAAAz0/QupT0GEIuCI/s1600-h/PSWB+-+Wood+Bark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Shbdwi0jAuI/AAAAAAAAAz0/QupT0GEIuCI/s320/PSWB+-+Wood+Bark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698234344964834" border="0" /></a>The fourth one has little squares which give an effect like basket weave. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdwkGDO-I/AAAAAAAAAzs/NMTiu4dxaeA/s1600-h/PSBW+-+Basket+Weave.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdwkGDO-I/AAAAAAAAAzs/NMTiu4dxaeA/s320/PSBW+-+Basket+Weave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698234686815202" border="0" /></a>These are really sample pieces - just to see what the effects would be. I'm excited now to use them in more complex designs. Watch this space!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxcVeJGI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Pqzk6LytONw/s1600-h/PSLLB+-+Love+Lies+Bleeding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxcVeJGI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Pqzk6LytONw/s320/PSLLB+-+Love+Lies+Bleeding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698249783878754" border="0" /></a>At last I've used one of my etched pieces (blogged about <a href="http://coburgcrafts.blogspot.com/2009/01/come-up-and-see-my-etching.html">here</a>). This reminds me of a tattoo - hence its name, Love Lies Bleeding.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/ShbdxcVeJGI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Pqzk6LytONw/s1600-h/PSLLB+-+Love+Lies+Bleeding.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Shbd7wXGEaI/AAAAAAAAA0U/DKhF8eZGMDA/s1600-h/BLGDSL+-+Lavender+Garden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/Shbd7wXGEaI/AAAAAAAAA0U/DKhF8eZGMDA/s320/BLGDSL+-+Lavender+Garden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338698426958090658" border="0" /></a><br />And lastly, a new shaggy loop bracelet. This one is made with copper rings and glass magatamas in greens and purples and is called Lavender Garden.<br /><br />Sarah and I are off to Devizes tomorrow to sell at a Craft Fair. <br /><br />I hope you have a great bank holiday weekend and that the sun shines on us all.<br /><br />Much love,<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-24488485556814579122009-05-15T19:00:00.004+01:002009-05-22T08:57:05.322+01:00Tagged!<div class="post-body entry-content"> I have been tagged <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>by <a href="http://kebojewellery.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a>, so here's some facts about me:<br /><br />8 Things I am looking Forward to.....<br /><br /><ol><li>The next Harry Potter film. It should coincide with Martha's birthday.<br /></li><li>The summer - let's hope it's better than the last two years.</li><li>My birthday. I love birthdays and don't have any hang-ups about my age.<br /></li><li>Selling at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. It's going to be a mad four days - but it'll be great fun!<br /></li><li>My chum, Mike, arriving for the weekend in a couple of hours.<br /></li><li>Finishing doing up our house. We've still got loads of rooms to go, but the ones we've done are wonderful. I'm waiting for the whole house to look as good.<br /></li><li>The next two episodes of ER. I can't believe it's finishing. I love it. I was a great Dr Green fan, but still watch every week. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blubbed</span> for England after this week's ending with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Neela</span> going off to be with Ray.<br /></li><li>My hubby being 50 next year. Not because he'll have reached that milestone, but because there will be a party and I'm a party animal. I LOVE to dance!<br /></li></ol><p>8 Things I Did Yesterday...</p><ol><li>Had my beady chums over.</li><li>Watched ER.</li><li>Put a plaster on Brian's head when he came home injured from basketball.<br /></li><li>Cuddled all my family. We're very big on cuddling.<br /></li><li>Talked to Mike.<br /></li><li>Made some jewellery.<br /></li><li>Read my book club book. The one I should have finished weeks ago. There's another one I'm supposed to read before 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> June!</li><li>Ordered some findings. It's always more exciting to order beads, but without the findings I can't make them into anything!<br /></li></ol><p>8 Things I Wish I Could Do....</p><ol><li>Eat what I want without having to worry about my weight.<br /></li><li>Have more than 24 hours in a day.<br /></li><li>Enjoy housework... as it is I hate it. There's always something much more interesting to do.<br /></li><li>Swim better. I do a slow breast stroke but I don't really enjoy being in the water.<br /></li><li>Gymnastics. I love to watch them and wonder what it must feel like.<br /></li><li>Give my lovely, lovely friend, Sarah, the use of her hand back again.<br /></li><li>Have my dad back.<br /></li><li>Whistle with my fingers in my mouth.<br /></li></ol><p>8 Shows I Watch....</p><ol><li>ER</li><li>Heroes<br /></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Desperate Housewives</span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Neighbours</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"></span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">The Mentalist</span></li><li>Lark Rise to Candleford - can't wait for the next series</li><li>Coast</li><li>Match of the Day!<br /></li></ol><p>Those are my 8's. My turn to tag....YOU! Come on, you know you want to! Here's the rules, just in case you want to follow them:<br />1) Mention the name of the person who tagged you.<br />2) Do the lists of 8.<br />3) Tag 8 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bloggers</span></span> of your choice.<br />4) Let them know that they have been tagged!<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><p>I'm not going to tag individual bloggers - as most of the ones I'd tag have already been done. So, if you'd like to answer these questions in your blog, leave a comment and I'll put a list at the end here.</p><p><a href="http://jemsdirect.blogspot.com/">Eve </a>has taken up the tag challenge.<br /></p><p>Much love and information,</p><p>xx<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> </div> <span class="post-author vcard"> </span>Coburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-62797772990889674132009-05-13T09:39:00.007+01:002009-05-14T23:37:22.115+01:00Jewellery Catch-UpPhew! So, North Somerset Arts Week is over for another two years. I don't know how long it's going to take for me to recover - I'm SO tired. Tired but very happy. We had 400 visitors through the door (and trampling on Sarah's cream carpet) and they were all very complimentary and lots of them purchased from us which was fantastic considering how much choice there was - over 100 venues!<br /><br />It's an age since I showed you any jewellery - some that was made has already sold - and lots of it I didn't get time to photograph. But, there's still plenty for you to see:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIFAAgcxI/AAAAAAAAAys/2RVYFTkTEis/s1600-h/Hedgerow+Heaven+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIFAAgcxI/AAAAAAAAAys/2RVYFTkTEis/s320/Hedgerow+Heaven+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335226328056623890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIE00WkfI/AAAAAAAAAyk/dUfTxmdliUI/s1600-h/Amethyst+Mist+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIE00WkfI/AAAAAAAAAyk/dUfTxmdliUI/s320/Amethyst+Mist+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335226325052854770" border="0" /></a>I've made quite a lot of this type of set, using lampwork beads from different artisans. Both of these feature beads by Tania Grey of Tan, Of Course. They are threaded onto leather with Sterling Silver beads and all the fittings are Sterling.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxIh4gVI/AAAAAAAAAzE/biopT9WPiEA/s1600-h/Pastel+Panache+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxIh4gVI/AAAAAAAAAzE/biopT9WPiEA/s320/Pastel+Panache+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335227086258340178" border="0" /></a>Continuing with lampwork, these wonderful etched beads are by Suzy Hannabuss of Moonlight Beads - aren't they great? I've teamed them with lots of Sterling Silver, including my favourite mirror ball beads, so this set has great twinkle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxSd4FuI/AAAAAAAAAzU/LlhUxci18mw/s1600-h/Stepping+Stones+-+Rust+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxSd4FuI/AAAAAAAAAzU/LlhUxci18mw/s320/Stepping+Stones+-+Rust+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335227088925890274" border="0" /></a>I love this design so much, I've made it with three different coloured beads. The main part is made with top-drilled ivory pearls which give this lovely patten and then coloured pearls to add a zing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxZkzBrI/AAAAAAAAAzM/PqT3rEVktPw/s1600-h/Punctuated+Picasso+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxZkzBrI/AAAAAAAAAzM/PqT3rEVktPw/s320/Punctuated+Picasso+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335227090833966770" border="0" /></a>One of my favourite stones - Picasso Jasper. I've put Sterling silver between the rondelles in this one to lighten it... I know from experience just how heavy these necklaces can be!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxKoAPpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/E9S1JcplYDQ/s1600-h/Charcoal+Web+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxKoAPpI/AAAAAAAAAy0/E9S1JcplYDQ/s320/Charcoal+Web+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335227086820884114" border="0" /></a>Another favourite - Spiderweb Agate - here coupled with Black Onyx and Sterling Silver.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxOSFsCI/AAAAAAAAAy8/yGplMCKfWM4/s1600-h/Lichen+Landscape+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqIxOSFsCI/AAAAAAAAAy8/yGplMCKfWM4/s320/Lichen+Landscape+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335227087802708002" border="0" /></a>And this is Feldspar - which is a new stone to me. I really like the veining on it though, so I think I'll be using it again. Here I've used it with Black Onyx and some lovely Sterling Silver rectangles to echo the shape of the feldspar.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqKIvRHQcI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gdIYfB33_q8/s1600-h/Turquoise+Tarantella+Montage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgqKIvRHQcI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gdIYfB33_q8/s320/Turquoise+Tarantella+Montage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335228591305605570" border="0" /></a>And last, but not least, this marriage of turquoise and silver, which is a favourite combination. I've used both chips and rondelles here with Sterling leaves at the front of the necklace and textured tubes at the back. It comes with a choice of earrings because I couldn't make up my mind...<br /><br />So, that's a quick selection of what I've been up to. I'll be back with some more soon.<br /><br />Take care, all.<br /><br />Much love.<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-26249921547301739562009-05-07T20:01:00.006+01:002009-05-07T20:15:05.953+01:00North Somserset Arts Week - a virtual tour of venue 73<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwmspgliI/AAAAAAAAAw8/e5CJUmJInyQ/s1600-h/NSAW4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwmspgliI/AAAAAAAAAw8/e5CJUmJInyQ/s320/NSAW4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333159825115223586" border="0" /></a><br />Our welcome table with a few examples of the work on offer and our visitors book.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnCkZv9I/AAAAAAAAAxE/ShCEQNLYjCQ/s1600-h/NSAW5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnCkZv9I/AAAAAAAAAxE/ShCEQNLYjCQ/s320/NSAW5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333159830999384018" border="0" /></a><script type="text/javascript">.decorate(_ge('photo_notes'), F._photo_notes).notes_go_go_go(3510104230, 'http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3510104230_ba9decd5ee_t.jpg', '3.1444');</script><form id="blog_form" method="post" style="visibility: hidden;" action="/blog.gne"><input name="magic_cookie" value="12619df9c1a961c5d8700203039a0c1a" type="hidden"><input name="photo" value="3510104230" type="hidden"><input name="blog" value="0" type="hidden"></form> <!-- PHOTO CONTENT: DESCRIPTION, NOTES, COMMENTS --> <div style="" title="Click to edit" id="description_div3510104230" class="photoDescription">Firstly our felt artist: Sarah Quick with a super picture and some cards.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnM2ZZqI/AAAAAAAAAxM/IXMiM2YjrXs/s1600-h/NSAW6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnM2ZZqI/AAAAAAAAAxM/IXMiM2YjrXs/s320/NSAW6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333159833759213218" border="0" /></a>More of Sarah's felt including the cake shaped pin cushions which have been selling like... well, hot cakes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnYbjatI/AAAAAAAAAxU/CNA2z9S_VpM/s1600-h/NSAW7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnYbjatI/AAAAAAAAAxU/CNA2z9S_VpM/s320/NSAW7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333159836867848914" border="0" /></a>Bags, hats and bangles in felt on the right and framed photographs by Denise Thomas on the left.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnSmICiI/AAAAAAAAAxc/OcssCg4wExE/s1600-h/NSAW8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMwnSmICiI/AAAAAAAAAxc/OcssCg4wExE/s320/NSAW8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333159835301579298" border="0" /></a>Denise Thomas's main display of photographs of all sizes. Many are local to North Somerset.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5TEcM6I/AAAAAAAAAyE/Kqs-lkhfQtY/s1600-h/NSAW9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5TEcM6I/AAAAAAAAAyE/Kqs-lkhfQtY/s320/NSAW9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160144666375074" border="0" /></a>Fabulous fused glass by Sarah Aumayer of Mydsomer Studio.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5QbcfGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/TCppaIbOjcw/s1600-h/NSAW10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5QbcfGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/TCppaIbOjcw/s320/NSAW10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160143957556322" border="0" /></a>Jewellery by yours truly and fused glass by Sarah Aumayer. If you study the photograph on the middle shelf you'll see that it's Julie Fountain of Lush Lampwork, pictured doing her thing!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5N_1lfI/AAAAAAAAAx0/nfN1K5PTsJk/s1600-h/NSAW11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5N_1lfI/AAAAAAAAAx0/nfN1K5PTsJk/s320/NSAW11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160143304889842" border="0" /></a>Corner jewellery display. The bottom shelf and the mirror show off my Sterling silver squiggles. And yes, I have replenished the second shelf!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw4zuJJ7I/AAAAAAAAAxk/OTgbCmECn9U/s1600-h/NSAW13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw4zuJJ7I/AAAAAAAAAxk/OTgbCmECn9U/s320/NSAW13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160136251353010" border="0" /></a>The main jewellery display. We're really pleased with the way this turned out. The glass shelves are taken from my cupboard, the supports are gift wrapped breeze blocks and bricks. The mirrors are all from IKEA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5MjzyZI/AAAAAAAAAxs/h6qkObQMjoQ/s1600-h/NSAW12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMw5MjzyZI/AAAAAAAAAxs/h6qkObQMjoQ/s320/NSAW12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160142918896018" border="0" /></a>Display of earrings and chain maille bracelets and watches. White shelves curtesy of IKEA... what would we do without them?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMxGRbvd_I/AAAAAAAAAyc/zkGtj9Mgyks/s1600-h/NSAW1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMxGRbvd_I/AAAAAAAAAyc/zkGtj9Mgyks/s320/NSAW1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160367565535218" border="0" /></a>We're offering tea and coffee... would you care for a cup?<br /><br />Toys and books to amuse our tiny visitors and discourage them from playing with the displays!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMxGNo5sPI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3wR0nVB8QJo/s1600-h/NSAW2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMxGNo5sPI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3wR0nVB8QJo/s320/NSAW2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160366546989298" border="0" /></a>More fused glass by Sarah Aumayer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMxF9kcQDI/AAAAAAAAAyM/MwZBH_go1s8/s1600-h/NSAW3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMxF9kcQDI/AAAAAAAAAyM/MwZBH_go1s8/s320/NSAW3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333160362233315378" border="0" /></a>And on your way out a last display of fused glass.<br /><br />Please do sign our visitors' book and thank you for coming.<br /><br />If you're in the area and would like to see it all in person - we're in Lower Langford - just off A38, near Churchill. And we're open 10-6 until Sunday.<br /><br />Much love.<br />xx<br /><br /><br /></div>Coburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-73923675624827601132009-05-07T19:48:00.004+01:002009-05-07T19:59:55.475+01:00End of the Road...Sorry it's taken a while to finish up the blog about our trip to the USA. As soon as we got back I was headlong into the preparations for Arts Week... see next post.<br /><br />The last full day in San Francisco saw us in China Town: even the lampposts are in tune!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu79D4PKI/AAAAAAAAAwk/cvRifJjjWcY/s1600-h/USA+2009+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu79D4PKI/AAAAAAAAAwk/cvRifJjjWcY/s320/USA+2009+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333157991274790050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu8AIQKZI/AAAAAAAAAws/7IInfYx2KGc/s1600-h/USA+2009+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu8AIQKZI/AAAAAAAAAws/7IInfYx2KGc/s320/USA+2009+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333157992098441618" border="0" /></a><br />I saw this lady on the cable car and thought she looked so wonderful I had to secretly take her photo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu7VIjhiI/AAAAAAAAAwc/F_7LjvdceXE/s1600-h/USA+2009+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu7VIjhiI/AAAAAAAAAwc/F_7LjvdceXE/s320/USA+2009+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333157980556985890" border="0" /></a><br />And then to Alcatraz. It's a fascinating place and there is an excellent self guided tour.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu8bZYp6I/AAAAAAAAAw0/h3G27dCRi2w/s1600-h/USA+2009+005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SgMu8bZYp6I/AAAAAAAAAw0/h3G27dCRi2w/s320/USA+2009+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333157999418058658" border="0" /></a><br />Then all too soon it was time to come home. The bitter pill was sweetened by the fact that we got bumped up to Business Class! Talk about how the other half live. It was marvellous.<br /><br />I can't believe that we were there this time a month ago. It was a superb trip - one that we'll all remember for the rest of our lives.<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed coming along with us!<br /><br />Much love<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-16500054433463619462009-04-16T15:24:00.004+01:002009-04-16T15:40:44.664+01:00San Francisco<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedBWLzw0fI/AAAAAAAAAwM/WDCGEAyukMY/s1600-h/USA+072.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedBWLzw0fI/AAAAAAAAAwM/WDCGEAyukMY/s320/USA+072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296933771727346" border="0" /></a>Couldn't resist getting a photo of Martha next to 'her' boat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAv2AnxYI/AAAAAAAAAwE/pJk7a9epumY/s1600-h/USA+075.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAv2AnxYI/AAAAAAAAAwE/pJk7a9epumY/s320/USA+075.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296275085051266" border="0" /></a>I love the cable cars. I've been to SF once before and bought a Christmas Tree ornament in the shape of a cable car. Each Christmas I relive the joy of travelling on them. So, it was wonderful to be able to share the experience with Brian and the children, who love it as much as me.<br />We've bought a three day pass so that we can hop on and off them (and the trolley buses) as much as we like and we're taking full advantage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAvicskoI/AAAAAAAAAv8/DYBw_VlJ26Q/s1600-h/USA+024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAvicskoI/AAAAAAAAAv8/DYBw_VlJ26Q/s320/USA+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296269834097282" border="0" /></a>This is the view from our hotel window. The road is California and the cable cars run up and down there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAvF7lqzI/AAAAAAAAAv0/EcftWCg1Rq0/s1600-h/USA+031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAvF7lqzI/AAAAAAAAAv0/EcftWCg1Rq0/s320/USA+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296262179040050" border="0" /></a>Yesterday we went to Muir woods, just outside San Francisco. It is home to the oldest Redwood forest. The trees are SO tall, some of them are over 1000 years old.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAu5gTd-I/AAAAAAAAAvs/NPtQhsvFHTM/s1600-h/USA+032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAu5gTd-I/AAAAAAAAAvs/NPtQhsvFHTM/s320/USA+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296258843375586" border="0" /></a>Everywhere you look there is a tree taller than the one you saw before. A very beautiful place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAuVPqcxI/AAAAAAAAAvk/prwMzFcayJE/s1600-h/USA+035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SedAuVPqcxI/AAAAAAAAAvk/prwMzFcayJE/s320/USA+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296249109902098" border="0" /></a>It look ages to find this road. We could see people on it, but couldn't get to it. I'm glad we persisted, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge was fantastic.<br /><br />Today we are off to Alcatraz! And a walk around Chinatown. Then it'll be packing the cases ready to come home tomorrow. It feels like we been away for about a month. It will be sad to leave, but I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed...<br /><br />I hope to be able to update you one more time before we fly home. If not, you'll have to wait until I've got over the jet lag... And then I should be back to the jewellery! I've not bought a single bead... yet...<br /><br />Take care, all.<br /><br />Much love.<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-20493942542430106272009-04-15T17:16:00.005+01:002009-04-15T17:39:39.091+01:00The looooooooooong drive northWe knew it was going to be a long drive from Las Vegas to Yosemite...<br /><br />We looked it up on the sat nav (we have become so reliant on Jane, as we call her, that we only have a very small map of the west coast. She's not let us down yet.) and Jane said that it would take 9.5 hours if we went the whole way on the freeways/interstate highways and 12 hours if we went on smaller roads through the national parks. We took a vote and decided to go the pretty way.<br /><br />We said a fond farewell to Las Vegas and set off. All went well and we passed through amazing, amazing scenery:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKD6VrtlI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wdwzTb3VMdk/s1600-h/USA+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKD6VrtlI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wdwzTb3VMdk/s320/USA+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324954671728277074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKDlSPUsI/AAAAAAAAAus/3H29EmMbXSw/s1600-h/USA+021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKDlSPUsI/AAAAAAAAAus/3H29EmMbXSw/s320/USA+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324954666076689090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKDRcahmI/AAAAAAAAAuk/nSK1JERgf0Y/s1600-h/USA+468.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKDRcahmI/AAAAAAAAAuk/nSK1JERgf0Y/s320/USA+468.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324954660750657122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKC5qTIuI/AAAAAAAAAuU/YuBzFfgJg_o/s1600-h/USA+465.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKC5qTIuI/AAAAAAAAAuU/YuBzFfgJg_o/s320/USA+465.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324954654366442210" border="0" /></a><br />We even stopped off to find an ATM and found ourselves on Route 66...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKDB1gsqI/AAAAAAAAAuc/Gi5w9qyZ-oQ/s1600-h/USA+457.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYKDB1gsqI/AAAAAAAAAuc/Gi5w9qyZ-oQ/s320/USA+457.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324954656560951970" border="0" /></a>But when we got up to the place where we should turn left to go over the mountains and into Yosemite, the pass was closed. We pulled into a petrol station and were told that the pass would be closed for the next couple of months! We couldn't wait that long...<br /><br />The second pass was also closed, so as we'd already been on the road for 9 hours, we decided to go onto Lake Tahoe which was the next big place and the pass over the mountains from there was open.<br /><br />Although we were sad to miss Yosemite, Lake Tahoe ran it a pretty good second. When I've heard people say on the TV and in films that they were going to Lake Tahoe, I'd never imagined that it was high, high up in the mountains and that it was a ski resort as well. It is a huge lake - 72 miles round - and it's stunning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL3yms40I/AAAAAAAAAvE/LQ8b9cZRzNY/s1600-h/USA+040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL3yms40I/AAAAAAAAAvE/LQ8b9cZRzNY/s320/USA+040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324956662516998978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL3uFTYDI/AAAAAAAAAu8/tzxvYcy4hv4/s1600-h/USA+039.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL3uFTYDI/AAAAAAAAAu8/tzxvYcy4hv4/s320/USA+039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324956661303173170" border="0" /></a>So, the above two pictures were taken within moments of each other. The one with me reading the paper (I'll explain in a minute) you can see the blinding sun on the mountains... and then the one with the three of us is looking in the other direction where there was a snow blizzard! There are mountains in amongst all that gloom.<br /><br />The paper... Jim (back in Colorado - which seems like weeks ago to us now) publishes several papers and magazines for his area. The free daily paper is the Summit Daily and they publish occasional pictures of people reading the paper in unlikely settings. So, we've taken this copy around with us, photographing ourselves reading it in front of all the sights we've seen. Will let you know if we make it into the paper!<br /><br />Did you have Dead Fly Cemetery when you were at school? It was a pudding with loads of currants - I didn't like it. But here's our version - the front of the car...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL4v3VaII/AAAAAAAAAvc/ggjn7nZZbSg/s1600-h/USA+060.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL4v3VaII/AAAAAAAAAvc/ggjn7nZZbSg/s320/USA+060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324956678961326210" border="0" /></a>And then it was time to drive down the other side of the mountain and more gorgeous scenery. If you're ever short of a photo of mountains, we're the guys to see, we've got hundreds...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL4VW2JjI/AAAAAAAAAvU/qjRflhsLnoI/s1600-h/USA+065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL4VW2JjI/AAAAAAAAAvU/qjRflhsLnoI/s320/USA+065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324956671845738034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL4Pc3O1I/AAAAAAAAAvM/RO-BEaTzVKI/s1600-h/USA+050.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeYL4Pc3O1I/AAAAAAAAAvM/RO-BEaTzVKI/s320/USA+050.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324956670260362066" border="0" /></a>OK, so now we're in San Francisco and the last phase of the holiday. It's super sunny, but very windy. <br /><br />It feels like we've been away for months, not a week and a bit.<br /><br />Right, must get in the shower and get on with the day.<br /><br />Much love to all,<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347415803684253557.post-86830852388474985762009-04-15T06:27:00.009+01:002009-04-15T07:02:11.728+01:00Easter in Las Vegas...... isn't like in any other place...<br /><br />It started when we were walking back to the hotel on Saturday night when several police cars went screeching by with their sirens wailing. Then as we got nearer we saw a police helicopter circling. But then we realised it was circling our hotel!<br /><br />Must admit to being rather wary. But as we got nearer, the helicopter wheeled away and shone its search beam elsewhere. Phew! Or at least I thought it was Phew... We went to bed and I read for a while, but when I turned off the light, I could see flashing lights. There were several police cars parked in the car park at the back of the hotel and then the helicopter returned. I eventually fell asleep, but I was still uneasy.<br /><br />The next thing I knew there was someone banging on the room door. Being the coward that I am, I woke Brian up. It was 6 o'clock. He answered the door to two policemen! They said they'd had a report of a disturbance and was he OK. Brian assured them that he was. So then they asked if his family was OK.<br /><br />We never found out what it was all about, but it was worrying for a while.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV0KwDxKRI/AAAAAAAAAtc/UbevaoCfhzM/s1600-h/USA+355.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV0KwDxKRI/AAAAAAAAAtc/UbevaoCfhzM/s320/USA+355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324789862483699986" border="0" /></a><br />THEN, on Sunday morning, I looked out of the window to find a jet plane writing in the sky! The writing was done with the jet stream. Goodness knows how high up it was - I couldn't see the plane when the stream was turned off. I didn't get a very good picture... but eventually the message said, Jesus 'heart' U.<br /><br />On Sunday, our original plan was to go to the Grand Canyon. However when we put it into the Sat Nav, she said it would take four and a half hours each way. Given that we were going to do a very long drive on Monday, we decided to miss it. So, it remains top of my 'Places I want to go to' list where it has been for a very long time. However we did fly over it when we were going from Denver to LA, so here it is from 30,000 feet!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV1s0tcpzI/AAAAAAAAAt0/7IlcPXdl1sE/s1600-h/USA+149.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV1s0tcpzI/AAAAAAAAAt0/7IlcPXdl1sE/s320/USA+149.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324791547359438642" border="0" /></a>So instead we went to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. And it was a great trip. Here's the Dam taken from the Lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV2m7VFCuI/AAAAAAAAAt8/5wyHK36HY5Q/s1600-h/USA+367.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV2m7VFCuI/AAAAAAAAAt8/5wyHK36HY5Q/s320/USA+367.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324792545568688866" border="0" /></a>One of the best things for me was that the boat we took on the lake was paddlesteamer. I've always wanted to go on a steamer. When Mum and I came to America about 20 years ago we tried to go on one on the Mississippi, but the river was frozen and the boats frozen into it! So, this was a dream come true for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV0LDjrhXI/AAAAAAAAAtk/dd1iS73ETHY/s1600-h/USA+362.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV0LDjrhXI/AAAAAAAAAtk/dd1iS73ETHY/s320/USA+362.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324789867717821810" border="0" /></a>Here's the view of the lake from the dam. There's a long long traffic jam to cross the dam. So they are building a new road and a bridge...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV3vRCb-EI/AAAAAAAAAuE/p5ah2nw9ZGc/s1600-h/USA+383.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV3vRCb-EI/AAAAAAAAAuE/p5ah2nw9ZGc/s320/USA+383.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324793788346660930" border="0" /></a>... I'm kinda glad we visited before they finished it. Yikes!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV3v1qgMJI/AAAAAAAAAuM/NGnTq8C5Wc8/s1600-h/USA+436.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9qqXHj35ZhA/SeV3v1qgMJI/AAAAAAAAAuM/NGnTq8C5Wc8/s320/USA+436.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324793798178386066" border="0" /></a>OK, that's got you up to Sunday. I'll try and catch you up a couple more days tomorrow.<br /><br />Take care, all.<br /><br />Much love<br />xxCoburg Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15594200738733653515noreply@blogger.com2